Chapter 34
“Could it be… are you talking about that Rosegold, from the legend of the Golden Rose?”
Serena hadn’t expected anyone to know about it.
Her eyes widened in surprise.
“Yes, that’s right. It’s an obscure legend, but you know it well.”
“It’s a big family in trade; most profitable things are common knowledge.”
The woman’s brown eyes sparkled with curiosity as she asked eagerly,
“So, is the rumor true? Does the Golden Rose really exist?”
Despite Serena’s prestigious family, her outfit was elegant, and she couldn’t hide her hopeful expectation.
“Well… no one has seen it yet. I haven’t seen it either.”
“I see… that’s disappointing. If the rumor were true, I thought I might be able to help.”
The woman showed a brief expression of disappointment before regaining her gentle smile.
“I should introduce myself. I’m Tina Rowein. I have no family name—I’m a commoner.”
Embarrassed, Tina laughed softly, explaining that she made a fortune through trade and carried herself like a noble.
“Embarrassed? On the contrary, it’s something to be proud of. Earning money is so difficult. Compared to those born into luck and status, it’s truly impressive.”
Having experienced the twisting of life and even near-death because of money, Serena genuinely admired Tina.
Tina blinked slowly at the unexpected compliment. She hadn’t seemed like someone who would flatter easily—perhaps this was a common social irony?
“You’re not mocking me, are you?”
“Of course not. I mean it sincerely.”
“…I just don’t think it’s something to be proud of, scrambling for money. If it’s ugly, people insult you for it.”
All her life, Serena had never received praise for her efforts. That was why she remained silent even when mistreated at the boutique. She had thought, Stick to your place. Don’t imitate the nobles if you don’t understand your position, and it was inevitable she’d face ridicule.
Tina spoke with a self-deprecating tone,
“Well, it’s really funny. Everyone has their roles and positions, and there are far more important things than money. Being greedy for money without refinement doesn’t look good.”
“I agree there are more important things than money, but don’t those important things still require money to obtain?”
Tina stared at Serena in confusion.
“Pretty, clean clothes, a comfortable home, nutritious and delicious food, and refinement too. You need money to have all of them. Laughing at someone striving for a better life seems sillier to me.”
“That’s…”
Tina had no answer to a comment that even dared to criticize the nobility.
Ignoring that, Serena pointed out the reality she had always felt was unreasonable.
“It’s a world where you can’t live without money, so calling earning money ugly is strange. Nobles earn money too; the method is just different. If it were truly ugly, they shouldn’t collect taxes in their estates.”
If a commoner said this, she might have been dismissed as jealous or insecure, but this came from a noble.
Amelia, who had been quietly listening, grabbed Serena’s hand firmly.
“That’s right! Exactly! I feel the same way!”
“Amelia…!”
Tina lightly tapped Amelia’s arm, trying to stop her. She also agreed with Serena’s words but, as a commoner, couldn’t publicly support that opinion in a place like this.
“I never thought about it that way, but hearing it now… it makes sense.”
Another girl standing beside Amelia chimed in.
Her round, golden eyes were striking as she introduced herself belatedly.
“I’m Marisa Belmar. My father works in trade, selling luxury furniture to nobles.”
Since Amelia, an only child from another trading family, was her friend, Marisa smiled brightly.
Serena, thinking it was convenient since she was planning to replace her old, nearly broken furniture, asked,
“How much are the pieces? Like beds or sofas?”
“Well… it depends on materials and design, but sofas start at 3,000 gold, and beds at 5,000 gold.”
“…”
Serena was speechless from shock. Not just expensive—this was the starting price. She had thought clothes were expensive, but furniture was no joke either.
Marisa continued,
“There are more expensive and luxurious pieces that would suit you. My bed, which I replaced last year, cost 20,000 gold, and I’ve seen even more beautiful ones than that.”
Faced with these insane prices, Serena didn’t even have the energy to respond. At this point, she even thought that Rianna’s notion of inheriting five million gold might not have been so unrealistic.
“I see… thanks for letting me know. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Yes, come anytime.”
Marisa’s gaze then shifted to Serena’s outfit.
“Can I ask something about it?”
Serena nodded, and Marisa quickly asked,
“Where did you get that outfit? It’s made by a famous Madame, right?”
“Yes! I’ve been curious too!”
Amelia interjected, urging Serena to answer quickly, saying she’d been dying to know since the first meeting.
“Oh, this? I bought it at Isabella Boutique.”
“Isabella Boutique?!”
“I knew it! If it’s something I don’t know, it must be from Isabella Boutique!”
The two girls carefully touched Serena’s outfit, marveling at it.
“It’s not that expensive.”
Considering one bed costs 20,000 gold, buying dozens of Isabella outfits would still be reasonable.
“I could, but I can’t even make a reservation,” Amelia said awkwardly, blinking silently.
“That’s why Madame Isabella’s outfits are popular. They’re beautiful, and only very special people can wear them.”
Being at an age obsessed with appearances, the girls’ eyes were full of envy.
Having just criticized the hypocritical nobles, Serena felt uneasy seeing commoners covet a dress even they couldn’t access.
Regardless, Amelia happily asked,
“Did you add decorations to it?”
“No, I bought it as it was made.”
“Of course! Madame Isabella insists on selling only completed outfits.”
“It makes sense; adding or removing anything might ruin its perfect beauty.”
Even without extraordinary design, the girls showered praise.
“Since you wear Isabella’s outfits, you might not know the boutique’s rules.”
“How foolish. Trying to deceive someone like that.”
Wearing clothes most nobles couldn’t even contact, Serena had no explanation for their misunderstanding. Any attempt to clarify would sound like deceit.
So, she simply smiled, chatting casually as Rianna and Daisy returned from the indoor garden.
Having gotten their fill of fun, mother and daughter wore smiles.
“What are you doing? Pay for it quickly. Let’s go home.”
“I want to go to the carriage first! I want to see the clothes I just bought again!”
“Very well.”
As soon as permission was given, Daisy left the garden.
Carriage? How did she manage to get a carriage too?
Judging by the employee behind Rianna, it seemed they hadn’t had an easy time. It was pitiable but deserved.
This wasn’t Serena’s first time handling such a situation, and she had clearly gained a lot.
Hoping they’d live well in the future, Serena bid farewell to Amelia and the others.
“I’ll go ahead. It was fun. If we have the chance, let’s meet again.”
“Yes! Be careful!”
“I enjoyed it too.”
When she got up, the employee handed over the bill: 400 gold. Exactly the price of one outfit.
“I’ll come again later.”
“Yes…! Th-thank you…”
Ignoring the employee’s unconvincing gratitude, Serena stepped outside to find a splendid carriage waiting.
Through the window, Daisy was buried under boxes of new clothes, squealing with delight.
Although the trip home wouldn’t take long, her ears would certainly get a workout.
“I have some errands. Go ahead.”
“Very well.”
No questions were asked. Rianna started the carriage without hesitation.
Serena quietly followed Sophia, who trailed her.
“Let’s go.”
“Oh, yes!”
Turning toward the bustling streets again, Sophia quickly followed.
